What to Consider When Choosing Snail Resistant Perennials

Snails and slugs infuriate even the gardeners. Discovering that the tender seedling was devoured over-night sets peaceful nature-lovers on the snail- with great cause, and eradicating warpath; left unchecked, snails and slugs overwhelm your hostas that are treasured and level your delphiniums. The greatest protection is a great offense, however do not take the snail bait that is toxic. Populate your garden with snail- and have a serene, snail-evidence yard.

Identification

Make certain snails would be the offender before you dig your dahlias up. Look for telltale paths for easy touring during your backyard and view of slime -edged but irregular holes in tender leaves. Snails snip seedlings to the floor or devour the tender of a plant shoots. When they invade your garden that is edible, slugs and snails consider bites tender- fruits or veggies and choose these near-ground level. They are lively in the evening and, you can spot them in case your home is close to the coastline.

Resistant Features

As an overall rule of thumb, the more woody the perennial, the less attractive it’s to a snail. Plants with fragrant leaves are resistant to snails, as are perennials with stiff fuzzy or waxy foliage. Like, lavenders (Lavandula spp.) have the stiff, scented leaves snails despise, while decorative sages (Salvia spp.) have grey-green leaves covered with fine hairs. Lantana (Lantana sellowiana) offers long lasting flowers in a rainbow of colours but the woody plant is not attractive to snails. The begonia family has members with fuzzy or shiny leaves, with respect to the range, and provides colour to shade gardens without inviting nibbled foliage.

Native Crops

The common brown garden snail (Cornu aspersum) is a European import initially meant as a human food supply, as well as the snail nevertheless has not acquired a style for the difficult crops indigenous to California. The snails turn up their noses — or antennae — at indigenous perennials like California fuchsia (Epilobium spp.) and California poppy (Escfhscholzia californica). California poppies are perennials with vibrant, abundant flowers in shades of gold and orange, but a lot of gardeners handle these natives as annuals. Plant cautiously, as numerous natives tend to distribute effortlessly. Their care-free character makes them perfect for naturalized gardens.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses include textural drama and vertical interest to your own garden while remaining un-appealing to snails. Try a decorative blue grama grass-like Blond Ambition (Bouteloua gracilis “Blond Ambition”) or a stylish purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum “Rubrum”). Be cautious, however, as several decorative grasses are invasive in California’s welcoming environment. Avoid grasses having a tendency to re-seed, including Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima). For those who have doubts about your choice check to your neighborhood extension off-ice.